Records tumble as table-toppers Havant put struggling Dartfordians to the sword

Havant winger James Wise ran in six tries as Havant put London One South strugglers Dartfordians to the sword with a 92-24 win at Hooks Lane.
James Wise ran in a club record-equalling six individual tries against Dartfordians. Picture: Vernon Nash (141219-016)James Wise ran in a club record-equalling six individual tries against Dartfordians. Picture: Vernon Nash (141219-016)
James Wise ran in a club record-equalling six individual tries against Dartfordians. Picture: Vernon Nash (141219-016)

He equalled the club record number of tries scored by an individual in a game set by Adam Jewitt against Gosport & Fareham back in 1992.

However, the haul of 13 tries overall was the highest ever in a league game for Havant and kept them top.

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Senior coach Will Knight praised the finishing of flying winger Wise, but also pointed out the contribution of others.

‘James came through our colts and academy system and returned to us last season after being at Leicester University,’ said Knight.

‘Everytime he has played he has shown himself to be a good athlete who finishes well.

‘Our fast track at Havant suits him down to the ground.

‘Dartfordians had no answer to him and he had to finish his scores.

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‘A couple were good individual efforts but it was more about us creating the opportunities.

‘There was really impressive play by a number of players.

‘Our control and execution was exceptional.

‘In terms of our attacking play, we were very good.’

Wise was devastating from the start, scoring a hat-trick within the opening 12 minutes.

By half time, the home side had opened up a 38-17 lead but were disappointed with the points conceded.

‘We gave the players what was probably their biggest half-time 'rocket' of the season,' revealed Knight.

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‘To be fair, the players themselves weren't happy with their defending.

‘It is a good learning point for them moving forwards.

‘If we are going to play our attacking style of rugby then we have to be able to make the transition into defence a lot quicker than we did.

‘In the second half, we scored another eight tries and conceded one.

‘This hasn't done our points difference any harm.

Apart from Wise, Wayne Dugan grabbed a brace with Joe Moore, Richard Janes, Jerome Trail, Joel Knight and Rory Penfold adding further tries.

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The win maintained Havant's three-point lead over Westcombe Park at the top.

Havant take a break from league action next weekend when they meet Jersey Reds in the semi-final of the Hampshire Challenge Cup.

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